‘After almost annihilating our world, our families are friends’: a thrilling audio series from JFK & Khrushchev’s relatives.

During October 1962, the world veered nearer toward annihilation more so than ever during recent history. This occurred following the discovery that an American surveillance plane identified the fact that Russian nuclear missile bases were being assembled in Cuba, a mere 100 miles from the United States. In response, President John F Kennedy commanded a naval task force to establish a naval blockade encircling the island. What followed was nearly 14 days of unbearable tension.

An Catastrophic Danger

The threat was clear. Should Kennedy, or else the Soviet counterpart, Premier Khrushchev, were to fire on their enemy, a cascade involving worldwide atomic attacks followed by counterstrikes could have ensued, casting mankind toward all-out ruination.

The October crisis has been covered extensively, through books, films, and television programmes. However, in its latest installment, a prominent BBC World Service podcast titled "The Bomb" has brought a novel dimension into the story. The series is co-presented by Kennedy's relative alongside Nina Khrushcheva, relatives belonging to the figures that, for two tense weeks, grasped the fate of the planet within their grasp.

"What were the Kremlin planning? What were the American side planning?" questions Khrushcheva, the Soviet leader's descendant who is also a professor of global relations.

For her, the unique appeal of the podcast is its endeavor to explore: "How can people hate each other and confront each other?"

"It was not lost on me how spectacular the fact that people can be friends or else can become complete enemies," states Max Kennedy, the son of Robert Kennedy, nephew of JFK and currently an author and attorney. "History shows this dynamic repeatedly in instances where nations enter into conflict, demonstrating the sheer folly it is to fight."

The Brink of Catastrophe

What is remarkable regarding this event was that, since it transpired so publicly, individuals around the world were able to observe almost in real time while it moved closer to armageddon. Nonetheless, the threat of annihilation was more imminent than what most people understood at the time.

"The overwhelming majority in the White House were advocating for an airstrike and a ground invasion," explains Kennedy. "Had the U.S. struck the Cubans with the naval blockade, there is no question Soviet forces on the ground would've launched a nuclear warhead against the US Sixth Fleet, which would've sunk the naval vessels and sunk our largest and most important fleet. And, the U.S. would have responded through massive retaliation that would have ended all life on Earth."

The fact this did not occur is a testament to Kennedy and Khrushchev, they succeeded in remain calm and engaging in diplomacy at a time when many advisors in their governments were advocating military action. Consequently, Khrushchev removed the missiles from the Caribbean island while President Kennedy (a fact not publicly disclosed then) withdrew American missiles based in NATO ally Turkey. The relief was palpable, as was the sense of hope.

A Different Perspective

Yet, during those two weeks in October, the fear was felt globally. The podcast's co-hosts came into the world in the years following the crisis, and Nina learned about the crisis via the Soviet school curriculum, which painted a slightly different narrative of events.

"As you mentioned your parent recalls it, and it was a frightening time," Khrushcheva notes. "However for Soviet citizens, the public really didn’t know that much regarding the crisis, because it was a tense situation, whereas under the Soviet system we were told that everything was always wonderful or positive."

Inside the Khrushchev household, though, it was different. "I was informed that it was a triumphant occasion it was, because it represented a direct confrontation. They were able to find a solution, thus avoided a global war, which was a positive outcome," she continues. Subsequently, though, that view was not held by all Russians. "For decades in Russian politics, the crisis was viewed as a failure for Khrushchev, simply he didn’t blow up the United States."

A Unprecedented Collaboration

The Bomb is so even-handed and well produced so much so that Khrushcheva quips she nearly forgot the known outcome. This effect is, partly, due to the participation of renowned scholars. But, really, the most significant aspect is the involvement of the hosts themselves. Not so long ago, it was inconceivable for relatives of the heads of state of America and the Soviet Union would appear side by side. That these two individuals can do that, and be so warm with each other, has to be a sign of hope.

"Max and I are not the pioneers," smiles Nina. "Following 1991, a relative Sergey Khrushchev’s son where he formed a close bond with Dwight Eisenhower’s children."

"However we were strangers before the podcast," adds Max. "Which is a shame since we connected really well and we’re friends, something that is really great. Finally, after nearly 60 years since nearly annihilating the planet, our lineages have become allies, suggesting the world is safer, somewhat."

Contemporary Parallels with Present Dangers

Is that truly the case? Part of why The Bomb seems so urgent is that we once again find ourselves living through a perilous era. The Doomsday Clock is closer to catastrophe than ever before, partly since world leaders don’t seem to be able to learn